David Hawa: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Bonds

After four decades in European finance, David Hawa has seen it all, from the birth of the euro to managing €3 billion bond portfolios and leading distribution at firms like Nordea, Fortis, and Robeco. In this episode, David unpacks the evolution of fixed income markets, the critical role of client communication, and how staying calm in a crisis defines great investors.

We explore his career arc, from cold-calling at Morgan Stanley to managing sovereign debt portfolios and shaping sustainable investing strategies long before they were fashionable.

Here’s what we cover:

📉 How managing €3B in government bonds teaches discipline, clarity, and staying power

🌍 Why European firms differ so much in culture, and what he learned from each

🌱 What “transition investing” means, and why ESG is entering a new, more rigorous chapter

💼 How to build client trust and explain complex strategies with precision

🧠 The overlooked beauty (and misunderstood complexity) of fixed income investing

If you like career deep dives, European market insights, and brutally honest takes on ESG and risk, this one's for you.

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Enjoy the episode!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.